This week, TPS offered up a trilogy of episodes with daily coverage of all things NAMM. As always, it’s impossible to get at everything, but this week’s blog combs through the TPS coverage focusing on the most news-breaking gear announcements of NAMM 2018.

You’d never guess it from the smashing success of the semi-annual NAMM shows, but this organization had origins as humble as a garage band in an era before there were cars to park in garages. Here’s a short rundown on the history and heritage of America’s greatest gig for gearheads…

Admittedly, I’m drawn to gear that is dramatic. You step on it and it screams, echoes into oblivion, or squawks a wah so sweeping that Hendrix fans’ ears perk up 100 miles away. However, there is something to be said for the subtle items of gear. Somehow, by changing a little in your set up, they have a huge pay off. Treble boosters are a perfect example of this. Easily unsung and underutilized, these little gems have loads to offer yet do so with sophistication.